'Local food markets could deliver on all aspects of sustainable development – economic, environmental and social' – The Policy Commission report on the Future of Farming and Food, Jan 2002.

'Local Food Works', a new joint project, between the Countryside Agency and the Soil Association, will be launched by Sir Donald Curry, who chaired the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food, at the House of Lords on Thursday July 11.

The innovative partnership between the two organisations will establish regional networks to promote the local food sector, develop stronger local food economies and increase the number of local food initiatives in England.

Local Food Works – building on the work of the Soil Association in promoting local food links and the Countryside Agency's 'Eat the View' programme, will assist a range of organisations and individuals including farmers, local authorities and regional agencies develop: – the sourcing of local and organic produce by schools, hospitals and restaurants – community involvement in local farms – farmers' markets, food co-operatives and food festivals.

Richard Wakeford, chief executive of the Countryside Agency, said, 'Our countryside looks the way it does as a result of the work of generations of farmers and other land managers. And, what farmers do reflects what people are prepared to buy from them. Consumers are a powerful force, then, capable of ensuring sustainable land management and support for rural communities, every week at the checkout till.

'We hope this new initiative will give consumers the information they need and provide new markets for producers of products that sustain the countryside.' Patrick Holden, director of the Soil Association, said, 'Consumers are demanding local food which is healthy and produced to the benefit of the local economy and environment. Local Food Works is an important step in building on the success already achieved by local food initiatives. We also want to help the public sector make an improvement in areas such as food poverty, rural unemployment and regeneration and economic development.' The project has two main components. The Network Development service will give guidance and support to new and existing local food networks in the regions - enabling them to influence regional plans for local food.

The networks will bring together a range of organisations – for example producers and health professionals to work on joint projects.

In addition, a nationwide information service will provide resources for these networks – including briefing sheets, guides to best practice, and case studies of successful projects.

A dedicated website, www.localfoodworks.org , will be launched in September. For more information contact Local Food Works on 0117 914 2425.

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